This is the story of a poor Irish kid from New York City who once wanted to be a fireman, but ended up a drug dealer instead. He explains his situation this way. The most important thing in life is 'sway' -- the influence you have over your surroundings. He has charm, good looks and, as a dealer, money. It was the easiest and fastest way to get to the top – until he got caught.

He is the charmer. His father is the dreamer. The father, an alcoholic saloon keeper, never could make ends meet. He sees himself as the classic ne’er-do-well Irish father, blaming himself for his son's choices in life. Yet, even with grim reality looming overhead, he talks of changing his son's situation, carrying on expansively about his son's rosy future.

Question: Is the famous FU rant in the film from the original book or an invention of Spike Lee? Answer: The rant is in the book, but Lee added Enron executives to the list.